An on-line information site with comprehensive information on over 1,100 species of plant. Mainly developed to supply information on the effects of fire on plants and animals, it also contains a wealth of other information on the plants

].
The plant has been used to make a tea, but some caution needs to be exercised. It is also used medicinally and as a source of tannins. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

The plant contains a toxin, called 'andromedotoxin'. It can be released from the plant if it is infused in boiling water[

Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

An excellent concise but comprehensive guide to toxic plants that grow in N. Carolina. It lists even those plants that are of very low toxicity, including several well-known food plants such as carrots and potatoes.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

]. The plant does not require acidic conditions; it reportedly can grow in soils with a pH range of 3.0 - 7.9. However, its ability to tolerate both the acid and high water levels allows it to thrive in bog systems[

An on-line information site with comprehensive information on over 1,100 species of plant. Mainly developed to supply information on the effects of fire on plants and animals, it also contains a wealth of other information on the plants

]. It is also able to grow in drier soils and can persist in drained bogs long after the sphagnum mosses have disappeared[

An on-line information site with comprehensive information on over 1,100 species of plant. Mainly developed to supply information on the effects of fire on plants and animals, it also contains a wealth of other information on the plants

].
Plants spread slowly by means of suckers when they are grown in a suitable position[

Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

]. Some caution is advised since boiling the plant or infusing it in hot water is said to release a toxic chemical[

Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

]. It is safer to soak the leaves in a jar of water in direct sunlight to make 'sun tea'[

Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

Other Uses

Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

]. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out in early summer once they are 15cm or more tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame in a shady position. Takes 15 months[